Young man, go home.
Mark 5:1-20 relates a story about a unique conversion. The main character is a possessed man who broke out of chains but was not free. He made his home in a cemetery but couldn’t find quiet peace. So much changed when he met Christ (v.6). Christ changed him inside-out, giving him a new heart, a new peace and new desires.
It’s easy to understand why this man was so willing to follow Christ to the ends of the world (v.18). His eagerness to serve reminds me of the young people of today. My peers and I have this eager zeal to be passionate missionaries. We’d be thrilled if the Lord called us to devote our lives to Africa, Haiti or the slums of India.
Christ’s answer might surprise. Verse 19 says:
Howbeit Jesus suffered him not, but saith unto him, Go home…
Be a witness at home. Be a light among your family & friends. They know you better than anyone. Show them what has changed and Who made the change in you.
This is a challenge for my generation. It’s so difficult (and boring) to be a Christian at home. My home knows my shortcomings. But if I don’t have a genuine testimony at home, what good is my testimony abroad? What would we think of Christ if He healed the lame, cured the blind and yet fussed with His parents? Would we listen to His message of salvation if He was bitter towards those closest to Him?
Still fired up to sacrifice your own dreams in order to do great things for God? Good. Let it show at home. Africa, Haiti and the slums of India will wait.
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Wow. This is so true. A really great reminder.
“Be a witness at home. Be a light among your family & friends. They know you better than anyone. Show them what has changed and Who made the change in you.”
Challenging, yet encouraging.
A good post.
Jami
Just stumbled across your blog and really like this post! This is something my parents have constantly reminded me throughout my life and I am so glad that they have!
Isn’t this the reason why a prophet is not regarded in his own town, as the saying goes?
Btw, I love that summary of the demon-possessed man’s situation: “The main character is a possessed man who broke out of chains but was not free. He made his home in a cemetery but couldn’t find quiet peace.”
Excellent! So many people, even older adults yearn to go somewhere else to serve! If a women or man can not share the Gospel with relatives, neighbors, or in their own town, then they are not ready to serve abroad, because they are only courageous among strangers! We must not be ashamed of the Gospel of Christ, even at home!
I have just found this site through my friend , Anna. I am thankful to see young folk serving God with blogs that share the Gospel. I hope you also share the Gospel at home when you are in conversation off the computer as well!
The Story of Jesus is beautiful and all need to hear it. I do not suggest pushing it on anyone, but at least hand out a tract or try to tell folk. Then if they don’t want it , well at least you did try.
Thank you for this blog that I could rejoice in today!
Romans 1:16